No. 13 UCLA (8-2, 5-2 Pac 12) kept their Pac 12 championship fate under their control Friday night with a 41-31 victory in the Rose Bowl against Washington (6-4, 3-4 Pac 12). UCLA linebacker Myles Jack scored four rushing touchdowns (three in the first half) to help the Bruins capitalize on a power running game fueled by Malcolm Jones and Paul Perkins. Washington quarterback Keith Price had to leave the game before the start of the second half after injuring his shoulder at the end of the first half.
Turnovers crushed Washington in the second half, as Cyler Miles was picked off twice in the fourth quarter to prevent any threat of a rally by the Huskies. Miles completed 13 of 20 pass attempts for 133 yards and two touchdowns but his interceptions and some errant throws showed how important having an experienced quarterback may have been in this game. Washington’s defense was unable to come up with a play when they really needed it in the second half though and the Bruins piled up 222 rushing yards. The Huskies were also penalized 11 times for 113 yards, roughly four more penalties than they have averaged per game this season.
With the win UCLA moves to 5-2 in Pac 12 play, pulling even with Arizona State in conference wins. Arizona State has one fewer conference loss and faces Oregon State on Saturday. UCLA hosts the Sun Devils next week in a crucial Pac 12 South match-up that could end up determining which team plays in the Pac 12 championship game, which will likely be hosted by either Stanford or Oregon. UCLA has represented the Pac 12 South in each of the first two conference championship games, losing each at Oregon and at Stanford respectively.
Washington is out of the running for the Pac 12 North of course, but needs to find some way to end the regular season on a high note. With a road trip to Oregon State next week, it is possible the Huskies will end the regular season with a 7-5 record. Washington has ended the year with seven wins each of the last three seasons, which adds fuel to any fire warming the coaching seat of Steve Sarkisian. Has Washington hit their plateau or is there more Sarkisian can do with this program?
